Archerfield is a class D airfield during aerodrome control tower hours (TWR HRS), catering for high-density operations. Check the TWR and airspace status with air traffic service (ATS) or Archerfield automatic terminal information service (ATIS). Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) minimums for Class D airfields are:
- 5,000 m visibility
- 600 m horizontal distance from cloud
- 1,000 ft above and 500 ft below vertical distance from cloud.
Archerfield control zone (CTR) is from surface to 1,500 ft. Aircraft must not enter Archerfield Class D CTR until in receipt of a circuit entry or zone transit instruction.
Archerfield aerodrome is equipped with parallel runways, and simultaneous contra-circuits may be conducted by day utilising separate tower frequencies. Operations will be regulated independently in each circuit, with an ATC clearance required to enter the opposite circuit or airspace. Where operations are
confined to a single runway, ATC will specify the circuit direction.
Circuit joining instructions from ATC are generally given when you report at:
- Target
- Goodna
- Centenary Bridge (when arrival is via the TV towers)
- crossing the Logan Motorway (when arrival is via the Park Ridge water tower).
Pilots unsure of the procedures at Archerfield should advise ATC on first contact, using the key phrase ‘unfamiliar with Archerfield’.
The circuit altitude for Archerfield aerodrome is 1,000 ft. Unless ATC authorises otherwise, indicated airspeed is not to exceed 200 kn (class D requirements).
Taxi clearance is required from ATC prior to entering manoeuvring areas.
These entry points are marked by a yellow dashed line and are known as intermediate holding positions.
For departing aircraft, there are specific tracking requirements pilots need to be familiar with. See current En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) and notice to airmen (NOTAMS) for specific procedures.
Archerfield aerodrome hosts emergency services aircraft, charter companies, plus fixed-wing (both general aviation [GA] and recreational aviation Australia [RAAus]) and rotary-wing flying schools. Their aircraft regularly do touch-and-go circuits, as well as flights to the eastern and southern training areas; this can make the airspace congested.